Primary school pupils celebrated the importance of play, privacy and protection on a day devoted to children’s rights.

The youngsters, from Colegrave Primary School, in Henniker Road, Stratford, learned about 42 rights and enjoyed speeches from Red Cross members and the police.

Each year group was given a separate right to focus on, with reception taking the right to a name and Years 1–6 taking play, protection from violence, privacy, nutrition, free expression and disabled rights.

The Unicef-approved Rights Respecting School also taught children about values such as honesty, friendship, kindness and respect during November 27th’s session.

Rights Respecting School co-ordinator Nelson Ganeshwaran was delighted with the outcome.

“The day was a success,” he said. “I strongly believe every child is unique – but one common factor each child shares is their rights.

“We as a school believe in unity and diversity. Rights Respecting School or not, we will always respect children’s rights.

“We encourage our local community to join us on our journey of becoming a Rights Respecting School.

“The purpose of education is not to make careers but to build minds.”